Farmer decision making for hybrid maize seed purchases: Effects of brand loyalty, price discounts and product information.

CONTEXT: Each year public and private sector maize breeding programs in Kenya deliver high-yielding hybrids that are resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. Yet, most Kenyan maize farmers purchase older, well-known hybrids. While the 'varietal turnover' problem is well known, few solutions have emerged. OBJECTIVE: The potential for seed companies and retailers to influence farmers' product selection towards new products remains an open question. In-store marketing that induces farmers to experiment with new products may be a scalable and cost-effective way to advance seed systems development. METHODS: Our controlled field experiment with 600 farmers in Kenya comprised a mock agrodealer store stocked with locally available hybrids, where half the farmers who participated faced an out-of-stock situation for their preferred product. The influence of price promotions and product performance information on farmers' seed choice were assessed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: When a participant's preferred product was available, performance information and discounts had no effect on decisions. However, when the preferred product was unavailable, the treatments had limited effects on product selection. Prior experience and brand loyalty stood out as the strongest predictors of seed product selection. SIGNIFICANCE: Our work explored the potential for two interventions-information and price discounts-to influence farmers' product selection. While these interventions showed limited influence on selection, the study design provides a clear starting point for future related experiments. More public and private investments are required to generate timely, comparable, and reliable information on seed performance. The strong effect of brand loyalty favors larger-sized seed companies with sizable marketing budgets.

Deliberate and Self-Conscious Adaptation of Eye-Contact by Autistic Adults.

Eye gaze is widely recognised as an important element in managing social interactions, receiving information from others and communicating information about ourselves. Atypical eye gaze is one of the characteristic hallmarks of autism. Experimental research has contributed significantly to our knowledge of eye-gaze in autism, however, there is a lack of research exploring how autistic individuals describe and understand the phenomenological experience of eye-gaze and eye-contact. The current study explores the subjective experience of deliberate and self-conscious adaptation of eye-contact by autistic adults. Nine autistic adults were interviewed individually about their experiences of eye-contact. Audio recordings were transcribed, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Themes included gaining awareness of eye contact differences through feedback from others, the interaction of motivation to make eye-contact with a sense of autistic identity, difficulties listening when making eye contact, the importance of familiarity of conversational partners, and strategies to make eye-contact. This study makes an important and novel contribution to understanding the experience of eye-contact differences from the perspective of autistic adults themselves, highlighting the phenomenology of eye-contact as potentially aversive and the social pressure to engage in it, and exploring factors influencing effective eye-contact, with implications for psychological intervention.

The effectiveness of savouring interventions on well-being in adult clinical populations: A protocol for a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Savouring interventions aim to amplify the intensity and duration of positive feelings and positive affect. Research has shown that the potential benefits of savouring include the promotion of psychological well-being and diminution of negative affective states. Savouring strategies may be particularly useful amongst clinical populations in changing biobehavioural processes which can strengthen an individual's propensity to exert control over how to develop, intensify and promote psychological well-being, while simultaneously mitigating negative affective states. This paper outlines a protocol for a systematic review that will be used to identify, critically appraise and synthesise findings of studies examining the effectiveness of savouring interventions in adult clinical populations. Savouring interventions will be defined broadly, operationalised as any savouring strategy focusing on past, present or future events or experiences whereby participants are instructed to attend to and amplify positive affect relating to same. The goal of our review is to include the extent of the literature on this topic and contribute to the overall evidence to support savouring interventions. METHODS: This protocol is carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Protocols Guidelines. The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023404857). The databases PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Scopus will be searched alongside a search of grey literature. An examination of the first 200 papers on Google Scholar will also be done to identify relevant papers. Studies describing randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of savouring interventions as described within this article on adult clinical populations will be included in the review. Outcomes will include well-being, quality of life, depression, anxiety or stress. Study selection and data extraction will be completed by three independent reviewers to reduce risk of bias. Interrater percentage agreement and interrater reliability will be reported on same. The quality of studies will be assessed using criteria based on the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and the Jadad scale. A narrative synthesis with tables of study characteristics will be provided. Separate considerations of the three time perspectives of savouring interventions (past-focused, present-focused, and future-focused) will also be described. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review will provide important clinical insights into the potential efficacy of savouring interventions when working with adult clinical samples.

The relationship between social support, coping strategies and psychological distress and positive mental well-being in carers of people with borderline personality disorder.

BACKGROUND: Informal carers of people with BPD experience high levels of burden and psychological distress relative to other populations. There is a scarcity of research evidencing the influence of modifiable factors on carer outcomes to inform interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support, coping strategies and psychological distress and positive mental well-being in this carer population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1207 carers completed the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD-Carer Version, the Brief COPE, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Kessler Psychological Distress scale, the WHO-5 Well-being Index, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Data for 863 participants who met the inclusion criteria were analysed. RESULTS: Carers reported low positive mental well-being and high psychological distress. Perceived social support and several coping strategies were significant unique predictors of psychological distress and positive mental well-being. Perceived social support and positive reframing were the strongest predictors of higher positive mental well-being and lower psychological distress. Self-blame, behavioural disengagement and substance use were the strongest predictors of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings evidence modifiable factors that may be used to improve informal carer outcomes and indicate that carer interventions may be improved by focusing on reducing the use of self-blame, behavioural disengagement and substance use, and development of quality social support and skills to positively reframe caregiving situations.

Supportive care interventions for men with urological cancers: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: To identify supportive care interventions for men with urological cancers. METHODS: Experimental studies conducted among men with any urological cancer were eligible for inclusion. Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson), SocINDEX with Full Text, ERIC, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched on 6 December 2022. No database limits were applied. The included studies were methodologically appraised. A narrative synthesis of the results was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included with 10 categories of interventions identified. Over 300 outcomes were measured, and more than 100 instruments were used. Multicomponent interventions generally led to positive changes in physiological outcomes like body mass index, as well as exercise tolerance and quality of life. This change, however, was not sustained in the long term. Cognitive-behavioural interventions significantly improved psychological symptoms but seldom physical symptoms. Telephone and web-based interventions showed great promise in improving outcomes like depression, positive affect, negative affect, perceived stress, spiritual wellbeing and fatigue. Findings from physical activity/exercise-based interventions were promising for both, physical and psychological outcomes. Rehabilitative interventions were associated with significant improvements in quality of life, urinary symptoms and psychological symptoms, albeit in the short term. Mixed results were reported for nurse-led interventions, family-based interventions and nutritional interventions. CONCLUSION: All but one study focused exclusively on prostate cancer. The included studies were significantly heterogeneous. Multicomponent, cognitive-behavioural, telephone and web-based, physical activity/exercise-based and rehabilitative interventions showed great promise in improving various outcomes. This improvement, however, was often short-lived.

Survey of veterinarians who use pentobarbital for euthanasia suggests knowledge gaps regarding animal disposal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess (1) veterinarians' knowledge and practices regarding disposal of euthanized animals, (2) the extent to which veterinarians communicate with their clients about potential risks of rendering pentobarbital-euthanized animals, and (3) the extent to which veterinarians communicate potential relay toxicosis and environmental risks of pentobarbital-euthanized animals to clients. SAMPLE: A stratified random sample of AVMA members. METHODS: Over a 3-week period in early 2021, 16,831 of the AVMA's 99,500 members were surveyed, with 2,093 responses (a 12% response rate). Respondents were assigned to 1 of 3 categories on the basis of their answers: veterinarians euthanizing only food-producing species, veterinarians euthanizing only non-food-producing species, and veterinarians euthanizing both food-producing and non-food-producing species (ie, veterinarians euthanizing mixed species). RESULTS: Veterinarians responding to this survey appeared to be aware of the major methods of animal disposal, and about 89% reported communicating the method of euthanasia with clients to help ensure appropriate animal disposal. However, the need for additional education on local, state, and federal laws and rendering, as well as on risks of relay toxicosis including wildlife predation and environmental impacts, was reported. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Survey results identified gaps in veterinarians' knowledge regarding animal disposal following pentobarbital euthanasia. Further education on this topic may be beneficial, particularly for early- and midcareer veterinarians who euthanize non-food-producing species and for veterinarians who euthanize mixed species in urban and suburban communities.

Do Savant Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders Share Sex Differences? A Comprehensive Review.

Savant syndrome was described before autism. However, they soon became closely associated, as many of their symptoms (intellectual disability, repetitive behaviors, alterations in social communication, and islets of abilities) overlap. Only a few women with autism have been diagnosed with savant syndrome. The theories or hypotheses that attempt to explain savant syndrome, which are common in autism, present differential treatment according to sex. We postulate that savant syndrome associated with autism as well as autism in general is underdiagnosed in women.

A literature review on current practices, knowledge, and viewpoints on pentobarbital euthanasia performed by veterinarians and animal remains disposal in the United States.

Sodium pentobarbital and pentobarbital combination products are commonly used by veterinarians throughout the US for euthanasia of their animal patients. The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition lists barbiturate acid derivatives (pentobarbital) and pentobarbital combination products as an acceptable method of euthanasia for all species when circumstances permit their use. When using pentobarbital products, a veterinarian must consider appropriate handling and disposal of animal remains to avoid the potential for environmental contamination, relay toxicosis in wildlife or domestic animals, and contamination of the animal food supply. Failure to appropriately consider these facets of pentobarbital euthanasia can result in legal and ethical consequences. Despite these concerns, to the authors' knowledge no comprehensive literature review has been published concerning pentobarbital euthanasia or handling and disposal of animal remains following pentobarbital euthanasia. The literature review that follows aims to give a descriptive narrative of the most recent information available on the knowledge, use, challenges, and issues surrounding pentobarbital euthanasia and disposal of animal remains within the US.

The effects of positive psychology interventions in Arab countries: A systematic review.

While there is evidence for the effects of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) in the Western world, we know little about their effects on Arab cultures. This review aimed to assess the effects of PPIs on well-being and mental health across Arab countries. Systematic searches of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies investigating PPIs in Arabia were conducted in six English and Arabic databases from the inception of positive psychology in 1998 to 28 February 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The protocol was published in the BMJ Open. Forty-four studies from 10 Arab countries (n = 3598 participants) were included. Of these, 12 were RCTs and 32 were quasi-experimental. The studies mainly focused on adults (73%) and healthy populations (86%). PPIs included mindfulness, positive thinking, strengths, hope, optimism, self-compassion, positive traits, and multiple PPIs. Nearly all studies (91%) mentioned cultural adaptation; however, little detail was given. This is the first review in Arabia. PPIs appear to be effective for promoting well-being and reducing mental health issues. However, there were some risks of bias concerns. Future research should include younger and clinical populations, using larger samples and providing more details about adaptation.

Demographic factors associated with healthcare avoidance and delay in the transgender population: Findings from a systematic review.

Purpose: Healthcare avoidance and delay (HAD) in the transgender population has been well documented, and research has explored a range of associated factors that help to identify those most at risk of HAD. This review addresses a gap in the research by synthesizing research exploring associations between HAD and demographic factors. Methods: A systematic search of literature published at any time up to December 2021 was conducted, using five databases (EBSCO, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and manually searching reference lists of included studies. After exclusion of duplicates, 608 unique records were subjected to double screening. Papers reporting statistical analyses of HAD in association with any sociodemographic variables were included in this review. Papers consisted of nineteen cross-sectional studies. Narrative synthesis was used to address findings. Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria, exploring HAD in association with a wide range of demographic factors, including sex and gender, social transition factors, age, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, veteran status, education, sexuality, relationship status, citizenship, place of residence, and state demographics. Findings identified intra-community demographic risk factors, with consistent evidence for increased HAD among transmasculine, and younger, participants. Lower income and higher educational attainment were also associated with increased HAD, while remaining areas had weak or little evidence for association with HAD. Conclusion: This review expands knowledge in this area by highlighting demographic factors associated with increased HAD in research literature, and exploring how these may be further investigated to address substantial gaps in the body of research.

The future of myelodysplastic syndrome-patient priorities and outcomes that matter.

Background: Without a definitive curative option available to many patients, learning to live with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and manage symptoms effectively becomes a priority in their care. Anaemia is an almost universal feature of MDS. Individuals suffer differently and better individualisation of care is needed. Most MDS patient information offers scant appreciation for disease heterogeneity, variable response to treatment and each patient's likely trajectory. Methods: We undertook a two-part, online workshop to discuss what matters most to people living with MDS. Patients generated questions about their condition which they felt should be addressed by research or change how their care is delivered. Patients voted on the importance of each topic, creating a "prioritised" list of issues. Results: Fourteen participants of varying age and experience took part raising 56 unique questions under the themes of: prognosis; end of life; treatment; supportive care; medical staff training; diagnosis and communication. These reflect the symptoms of MDS, improving quality of life (QoL) and communication. Discussion: Although haemoglobin (Hb) levels have correlation to QoL, it is widely reported that other factors are important in determining QoL and need for transfusions varies despite stable Hb levels. We showed that Hb level and the need for transfusions is not comparable between different patients and even non-comparable over time meaning that the maximal benefit and timing of transfusions cannot be determined from Hb alone. This workshop highlighted patient dissatisfaction with the "numbers-led" approach and the need for an alternative method to determine when to transfuse.

Antigen- and scaffold-specific antibody responses to protein nanoparticle immunogens.

Protein nanoparticle scaffolds are increasingly used in next-generation vaccine designs, and several have established records of clinical safety and efficacy. Yet the rules for how immune responses specific to nanoparticle scaffolds affect the immunogenicity of displayed antigens have not been established. Here we define relationships between anti-scaffold and antigen-specific antibody responses elicited by protein nanoparticle immunogens. We report that dampening anti-scaffold responses by physical masking does not enhance antigen-specific antibody responses. In a series of immunogens that all use the same nanoparticle scaffold but display four different antigens, only HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is subdominant to the scaffold. However, we also demonstrate that scaffold-specific antibody responses can competitively inhibit antigen-specific responses when the scaffold is provided in excess. Overall, our results suggest that anti-scaffold antibody responses are unlikely to suppress antigen-specific antibody responses for protein nanoparticle immunogens in which the antigen is immunodominant over the scaffold.

Tranexamic acid for safer surgery: the time is now.

Tranexamic acid reduces surgical bleeding. Consistent with previous research, the POISE-3 (Peri-Operative Ischemic Evaluation-3) trial found that tranexamic acid reduces major bleeding by 25% and with a low probability of any increase in thromboembolic events. Wider tranexamic acid use will improve surgical safety, avoid unnecessary blood use, reduce the risk of transfusion transmitted infections, and save healthcare funds. 'Consideration of tranexamic acid use' should be included in the safe surgery checklist. We have the evidence, and we need to act on it.

Predicting Scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) from Spontaneous Speech.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between language components, such as lexical density, length, and content in terms of "Time, Space and Action", with MMSE scores. For this reason, a group of 33 older participants, without a diagnosis of dementia, was examined, providing information regarding recent and future events. Participants with higher MMSE scores showed higher lexical density, speech length, as well as number of tokens related to Time, Place and Action in their speech. However, these differences only reach the statistical level for lexical density when participants were divided into two groups (MCI and healthy controls). Word frequency was lower for participants with MCI but this difference was not statistically significant. Lastly, lexical density was positively correlated with MMSE scores and predicted MMSE scores. These results could be of interest at the applied level in the screening of MCI.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review of Outcomes After One Year of Follow-Up.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has a growing evidence base for treating individuals with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Less is known about the long-term effects of the treatment, which is an important consideration when treating a chronic disorder such as BPD. The current systematic review explores outcomes after 1 year of follow-up for individuals who engaged in DBT. A systematic search of four databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL) was performed. Controlled and uncontrolled studies were included. A total of 10 articles were identified pertaining to seven primary research studies. Overall, improvements following treatment with DBT extended over the follow-up period. These findings suggest that the effects of DBT in treating BPD are maintained at least 1 to 2 years postintervention. Given a lack of long-term follow-up in randomized controlled trials, evidence for the efficacy of DBT in the longer term is unclear.

A Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Assisted Dying: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Professionals' Perspectives.

Assisted dying is a divisive topic and draws both lamenting and approving commentary from political, medical, legal, and philosophical domains. This systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis aims to identify the factors that healthcare professionals experience when working within assisted dying frameworks. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Search results yielded 15,426 papers with 39 papers meeting inclusion criteria for this review. Remaining papers were subjected to critical appraisal and a thematic synthesis. Eight themes fell under the domain of 'barrier' and represented different personal and professional factors that hinder professionals from delivering assisted dying healthcare. Five themes came under the domain of 'facilitators' and represent factors that contribute to the smooth implementation and delivery of assisted dying services. Health professionals experience a range of factors that both impede and propel delivery of assisted dying frameworks.